would you race a T-Top car?
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would you race a T-Top car?
would you race a t-top car or would you weld the roof solid?
this being a teoretical question let's assume at first car is stock and will go through mods as time and money allow.
if you would race it as is for a while, at what point would you weld it solid?
thanks
this being a teoretical question let's assume at first car is stock and will go through mods as time and money allow.
if you would race it as is for a while, at what point would you weld it solid?
thanks
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Re: would you race a T-Top car?
Been racing one for 20 plus yrs.
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Re: would you race a T-Top car?
As you get faster you have to get SFC's, rollcage... Ive seen these cars break out T-tops, back glass, and eat rear-ends like candy if you put too much power and do not take steps to get it ready to handle that extra power.
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Re: would you race a T-Top car?
Never lost a t-top in my car. It's nice to take the t-tops out while working on the car. Even with a full roll cage and the t-tops out, it's hard to get in and out.
#9
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Re: would you race a T-Top car?
been going 10.7s in a T-top car. SFC's that are welded to the pinch weld of the rockers though. The car is stiff and no cage either, but the cage comes this winter as my home track is losing their sense of humor about it.
I've never read of, or seen a T-top fly out that was "latched in"
I've never read of, or seen a T-top fly out that was "latched in"
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Re: would you race a T-Top car?
I have for 12 years or so. Started off all stock body, chassis, suspension running 14's, then just got faster and faster with mods. With each set of performance mods came chassis/suspension mods to match it.
Weld in sub frame connectors when it was a 13 second car, roll cage when low 11 second car. Now running 10.60's
Weld in sub frame connectors when it was a 13 second car, roll cage when low 11 second car. Now running 10.60's
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Re: would you race a T-Top car?
thanks for all the input guys. looks like a ton of info.
yes I did plan on putting SFC's and a cage in eventually, was just wondering if basically the body would end up getting flexed or tweaked due to structural weakness in the roof if I did any "racing" with it before the cage went in. which would also mean before any high performance engine went in etc.
yes I did plan on putting SFC's and a cage in eventually, was just wondering if basically the body would end up getting flexed or tweaked due to structural weakness in the roof if I did any "racing" with it before the cage went in. which would also mean before any high performance engine went in etc.
#13
Re: would you race a T-Top car?
I've been racing a t top car for 10 years running. Like alky said, it's super easy to work inside the car with them out. Plus i can drive my car in the box, and crawl out through the roof. I'm dreading putting a halo in...
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Car: 87 IROC L98
Engine: 588 Alcohol BBC
Transmission: Powerglide
Axle/Gears: Ford 9"/31 spline spool/4.86
Re: would you race a T-Top car?
When putting the car into the trailer, I have fiberglass doors. I take off the drivers door and hang it on the wall then drive the car in. Makes getting in and out much easier. Without a halo bar it wouldn't be so bad but squeezing between the halo and door bar is very restrictive. If I had the funny car cage attachment, it would be even harder but that's not required until you hit 8.50 in the 1/4 mile. Depending on the body style, many people with funny car cages go in head first then spin around inside the car.
As for structural strength of a t-top, it's probably stronger than a hard top because of the extra reinforcement down the center but I've also cut a lot of that out since the full cage keeps the car from flexing. I swapped out my original glass t-tops for some lexan ones to shave off some weight. I then painted the underside of the t-tops black to keep the sun off and painted the flames on the outside to match the car's paint. All my windows including the rear are also lexan.
This isn't a car that can be kept outside or used in the rain. It's a full track car.
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Car: 87 IROC L98
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Re: would you race a T-Top car?
The best thing to do is just get out and race no matter what kind of car you want to drive. The majority of all drag racing is bracket racing. Speed means nothing. A slower car gets a head start and both should cross the finish line at the same time which never happens. A 15 second car can still beat a 12 second car so everyone has an equal chance of winning.
Going faster costs money and not everyone can afford that. Go to the track to see what your car will run. Do improvements to make it more consistent. Some of the slower cars at the track can be the hardest ones to beat since they normally can run the same ET on every pass.
Going faster costs money and not everyone can afford that. Go to the track to see what your car will run. Do improvements to make it more consistent. Some of the slower cars at the track can be the hardest ones to beat since they normally can run the same ET on every pass.
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Re: would you race a T-Top car?
I would look at many other things before I got worried about the tops. Just make sure they are latched good!
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Re: would you race a T-Top car?
BTW;
I just ordered a pair of custom carbon fiber T-tops!!
I'll post pictures once I have them.
I just ordered a pair of custom carbon fiber T-tops!!
I'll post pictures once I have them.
#21
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Re: would you race a T-Top car?
I have for 12 years or so. Started off all stock body, chassis, suspension running 14's, then just got faster and faster with mods. With each set of performance mods came chassis/suspension mods to match it.
Weld in sub frame connectors when it was a 13 second car, roll cage when low 11 second car. Now running 10.60's
Weld in sub frame connectors when it was a 13 second car, roll cage when low 11 second car. Now running 10.60's
I asked this question before and I know that AlchyIROC answered and he's fairly short (I believe around 5'8"), I don't know about some of the others.
I don't believe that anyone races a t-top car with a full cage that is over 6' tall.
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Car: 1983 Camaro Z28
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Axle/Gears: Quick performance 9 inch
Re: would you race a T-Top car?
A touch over six foot here also and run an 8.50 cage I installed also. Ttops still remove also.
The halo bar did end up being low but is ok for me when in the car.
The halo bar did end up being low but is ok for me when in the car.
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